Friday, June 18, 2010

Wow, it's been a while since I posted, but it has taken me a while to feel back to "normal". So surgery went well. Still don't know why I had to be there at 5:30 am when my surgery wasn't until 10:30!! It was just me & mom since my Uncle Shorty is in the hospital & dad stayed in Murfreesboro to take care of Hershey.

Monday is a blur, as is most of Tuesday. I do remember mom's friends from work coming by- they all had the surgery too, so it was nice to meet them. Wednesday I got up and walked some & took a shower- that felt great, but it wore me out. They released me Thursday and I went home with my mom for a few days. Unjury protein did NOT agree with me- it's like sand. After my shower & subsequent 2 hour nap, Mom & I went out on Friday to see Uncle Shorty & to go to GNC & find another protein source. After we got home I was so exhausted. The new protein was nasty too. Ugh. Saturday was the worst...my back hurt all day, I felt sick to my stomach. I stayed on the couch all day w/ a heating pad. I thought I was dying.

Sunday I turned the corner a little bit. I convinced mom that I was ready to go home to Murfreesboro. Hershey was very good- he didn't jump on me or anything. Mom straightened up the house, for which I was VERY grateful. I settled in on the couch and actually didn't feel too bad. Still struggled with the protein though. Did I mention it's nasty?

Monday I braved the scale for the first time. Did my eyes deceive? Had I REALLY lost 13 pounds in a week?!? Apparently it was true. Tuesday I went to Zach's baseball game, and just walking from the car to the field & back killed me! It was great to get out though. Wednesday I visited a friend at his store, then went to Target w/ Jill & Khalil. That REALLY made me tired. Got home and just hung out till bedtime.

My follow up with Dr. Olsen was yesterday. He chided me for not getting my fluids in, so I am really trying. It's not as easy as it sounds, since you have to sip everything. I did get another week off of work since I was misinformed of when the 2 weeks off was supposed to start (discharge, not surgery day). Can't say I'm sad about not going back, except for the boredom. Since April 1 I have lost 25 pounds, most of those since last Monday. I am almost to the lowest weight I have known in 5 years!

Today I dusted off the treadmill (not ready for the gym again quite yet, as I am only able to walk in intervals) and it felt good! My bone spur didn't bother me at all for the first time in 2 years! I did two walks at 15 minutes each, getting up to 2.2 speed. Slooooow! It took me 30 minutes to walk a mile- that is slow for what I used to be able to do! It will get easier, and hopefully I'll be running again in no time. I really want to do a 5K by the first of the year.

Not eating sucks. I am DYING for something with taste & consistency. Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese- ANYTHING! I can't advance to soft food until next Thursday (if I can hold out), so for now it's water, popsicles, ice, & broth (sound familiar?). Dr. O said to get fluids in first, then worry about protien, so that's what I am doing.

Well, now that I have caught up, I'm going back to my slushie (ice=chewable!). Will update when there is something to tell.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

It's almost time! I'm excited, nervous, scared, but mostly excited. This week has been rough, trying to ingest mostly liquids. I did ok, but I did have solid food up until last night. Today & tomorrow,nothing but liquid & today I have to drink that nasty magnesium citrate stuff. Guess I won't be getting out much today :)

I still have so much to do- I need to get packed and figure out transportation to the hospital and care for Hershey. I would really rather drive myself, but dad is being pretty insistent about going with me. I'll figure it out sometime today.

Ok, so gonna go drink this nasty stuff and hope it takes effect quickly and that I'm not stuck in the house all day. It's too nice for me to just sit here and I'm tired of feeling depressed.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

For someone who likes to eat as much as I do (a familial trait of being a Lawson my poppa says), this whole liquid thing is horrible. I decided even though they told me I didn't have to do the whole 10 days, I was gonna try- gotta learn will power sometime, right? I didn't realize how hard this was going to be!!

I started the liquids on Saturday- broth, water, jello, water, protein shake, broth, jello, protein shake- you get the picture. I did ok day one, but day 2 was awful! I woke up Sunday with a horrible sinus headache, but took my allergy medicine and went to work. By the end of the work day, the headache had gone from a sinus headache to a hunger headache. I felt horrible. I called my mom and we decided that it would be ok for me to eat some solid food (she's a nurse, I trust her judgement). I also ate 1 meal of solid food on Monday, but tried as much liquid as possible. Doing this on a holiday weekend made it really hard- especially when I was outside helping grill ribs!!

Today is day 4- the only solid food I've had is a few pickles. Everthing else has been liquid. By the way chicken broth > beef broth. The good news is I've lost about 3 pounds. I was hoping to lose about 10 before surgery, but now I don't care as long as this phase passes quickly! I know I'll be on liquids for a few more weeks, but I won't be as hungry so I think I'll manage better. Also, working in a grocery store is horrible when all you can consume are liquids....I really want a cookie! But, I have to remind myself that nothing will taste as good as being healthy feels. I can't give in to the many temptations I am surrounded by at work every day. I'm sure it will get easier, but right now it really sucks. Guess I will have to lock myself in the house all weekend, because it is required to be on all liquids Saturday & Sunday. Yeah, right, I'd go stir crazy! Gonna be hard though.

I'm looking forward to being able to prepare my own meals. I bought a great cookbook for people who have had WLS and I'm excited to get into it and see what new things I can try. I've never been much on cooking, since I live alone, but I think it will be fun.

Only 2 more work days till I am off. This is a much needed break from work, even though things are much better now that I gave up the stress of being a store manager. The new store is good, very quiet, not a lot of problems, which is a nice change. I think I really made the right decision by stepping down. Plus, who doesn't like to sleep in several days a week?! I like the people here, and the other managers are great. It is a whole lot more laid back, which I love! Not to say there isn't any stress- I'm over departments that have some issues, but all stores have issues.

Got a lot to get done before Monday, like pack for the hospital, arrange transportation to the hospital, and get with my sister on house sitting. I've got to make sure everything is in order, clean house, and all that fun stuff. Plus, I'm trying to squeeze in a movie with my BF Jill. Guess I better get to planning!

About Me

A hard working,hockey addicted,all around fun girl. Live in Murfreesboro with my dog. Have the most amazing family & friends a girl could ever want. Never satisfied with my hair. Musically schizophrenic. Love the beach and travel in general. Wish I could travel more & work less. Find me on twitter: @predsaddict or facebook.